SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey has announced he will retire later this month, after 31 years as an elected representative.

The veteran politician said: "I have been honoured to serve the community for over three decades, so it is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement. It has been a difficult decision but I must put my health first. I owe that to my family who have supported me through the best and tests of my career.

"I have been incredibly proud to serve the people of this city on Derry City Council, as councillor and then as Mayor and since 2003 as their Assembly Member. I had the great honour while Mayor of conferring the Freedom of the City on John Hume. He was my motivation in joining the SDLP and in becoming an elected member.

“It should go without saying that I wish the party every success going forward. I know Colum has the political direction and drive we need, and I give him my full support without reservation. I think the party is in great shape under the new leadership.

"My political philosophy was always simply to help people; I strived to improve the quality of life for my neighbours, my city, and my constituents. I've been a passionate champion for the rights of disabled people, advocating for those disabled, their families and carers and it is not a duty I give up lightly.

“I have met so many wonderful people thanks to my political career and am deeply grateful to the people of Derry. They have rightly earned the reputation of being caring and supportive, fiercely protective of their city and always working to make Derry all it can be.”

Mr Ramsey served as a city councillor for 18 years and was elected Mayor of Derry in 1999. He first won his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2003, where he was returned for three terms. He will also resign as SDLP Chief Whip.

The Bogside-born politician was a tireless campaigner on prisoner rights issues and described those as "among the most challenging of my career".

He added: "I wish to say thank you to all those who placed their faith in me. I've always been humbled and honoured to represent Derry but of course I did not do it alone. Those staff who served in my constituency office played a vital role in my work.”

Mr Ramsey is a leading member of the Cursillo movement and organiser of the annual Walk To Knock pilgrimage. He will continue to donate his energies to those organisations.

"My wish now is to spend my time with my family, I owe them, my wife Chris especially, a debt of gratitude. They have been by my side every step of this at times difficult, but ultimately rewarding journey; for that, I could never thank them enough," he said.